Online classes and in-person opportunities in Vermont will be posted soon.
Learn Mandarin Chinese
Tag: art
World Arts and Letters
What is a Word?
Art and Contemplation
A Book on Everything Human
Title: Ordinary Human Failings: A Novel
Author: Megan Nolan
Pairs Well With: introspection and a cup of Earl Grey tea
Who did you judge today? What standards did you apply to them or yourself? How did you come to understand those standards as being appropriate or better than what was happening in reality? What did you observe? What did you hear? How did you feel? This brilliant novel inspires a curiosity into the separation we try to create between ourselves (however that group or individual may be defined) and others (however that group or individual may be defined). Additionally, the characters in the novel struggle with the separation we are forced to create between our authentic selves and the self that we perform in relationship with others. The characters in this novel cycle through both revelation and dissociation all while coping with the everyday effort of being human.
As I was reading, I found myself considering such wider themes such as the relationship between choice and agency. How do we balance desire with responsibility in the making of choices? How often do we delay a choice only to find that the opportunity is lost? How often do we delay making a choice not because we don’t know what we want, but because we are ashamed of revealing what we want? Longing and wanting are a kind of vulnerability. Or, a bruise of sorts.
Is it an uplifting story? No, it really isn’t. Rather than ask if people can change, the story puts a magnifying lens on the process of change. Although we live in only one direction, change is not linear. Contrary to the self-help movement, change isn’t necessarily about being better. This novel shows us change as change. We find ourselves moving through judgments until we are forced to just see the character as they are. In this way, something breaks. We break. And, we are better for it.
The writing is fluid and economical. The novel is tight, yet our reader experience is expansive. Read this and let me know what you think.
We Can Be Buddhas
Excellent Ted Talk by Robert Thurman about the ego and that our misperception that what we are is inside our skin. Short, sweet, interesting and inspiring!
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, December 5
You know you’re curious—-what’s going on in there at 6520 Wilkins Avenue?
Here’s your chance to check out Yoga Matrika’s new studio spaces, share some sweet holiday spirited refreshments and shop for some hand-crafted gifts. There are many items that are under $10 that are great for office presents, gift exchanges, hostess presents and stocking stuffers. This is a great craft sale with NO CROWDS, NO PARKING PROBLEMS and great snacks and activities for children!
EVERYTHING for sale is locally made and includes: jewelry, aromatherapy, herbal and green teas, eye pillows and scented sachets to create passion, promote peace and some even keep moths out of your woolies! We have herbal products for pregnant and new moms like lactation support teas, belly balm and vegan nipple creams. Fleece and knitted hats for babies and young children and felted wool hats—even some handspun and dyed yarn by our lovely local Cosy!
You can also purchase discounted gift certificates and class cards during the open house or purchase a new yoga mat for a friend or yourself!
Gift certificates make PERFECT gifts for expectant and new moms—we offer the only Prenatal Pilates and Exercise class in the city, two postnatal classes a week and five prenatal classes a week. Moms can also use gift certificates for massage, childbirth preparation workshops and to shop for all natural items to keep them comfy and relaxed during pregnancy and after birthing.
We have some coloring pages and toys for young children to play with while you shop. Sharon Rudyk, the studio owner will be around all afternoon to answer questions you might have about yoga in general or the studio.
Hope to see you on Saturday!
Posted by Sharon Rudyk, Owner of Yoga Matrika located in Point Breeze, 6520 Wilkins Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Check out our website: https://www.yogamatrika.com/
Yoga for Writers
Movement & Memoir
Facilitated by Dana Killmeyer
January 30, 2010
2:00 to 4:30 pm
$25 pre-registration, $35 at the door (space allowing)
Movement and Memoir is a hybrid class blending elements of yoga and somatics with creative expression, primarily autobiographical writing or journaling. We will focus on observing our environments, both internal and external, as a catalyst for releasing tension and broadening our awareness. Finding inspiration in our senses and perceptions, anatomy, literature, performance, music, art, meditation,and social critique, we will explore various aspects of observation and expression, stillness and animation. Expect a gentler, more introspective yoga practice with an emphasis on breathing, as well as wrists, shoulders, and lower back–areas that tend to get overused and neglected after long periods of sitting. Please bring a notebook and an open mind.
Dana Killmeyer is a Pittsburgh-native and University of Pittsburgh graduate. She has written two books: Paradise, or the Part that Dies and Pendulums of Euphoria, both published by Six Gallery Press. Currently pursuing training as a yoga teacher with Joanne VandenHengel (3rd Street Yoga) and as a Somatic Movement Educator with Mark Taylor (BodyMindMovement), Dana draws from a well of experience as a teacher, researcher, writer, and organic farm apprentice.
Holiday Season @ Yoga Matrika
Hello Matrikas! If you are in Pittsburgh, or visiting Pittsburgh this holiday season, please check out these fabulous holiday events at Yoga Matrika:
FIRST: Elsie Escobar is facilitating a workshop on December 6th (Sunday) in the afternoon called SEASON of LIGHT, BODY of PEACE. This is a wonderful way to find peace and tranquility in these darkest of days that start to get longer and brighter on the 22nd of December! Elsie will guide the group in yoga techniques for finding your center, even in the midst of holiday pressures. She will also help you find an intention for the season and the new year that will guide you into the light of 2010. There are only a few places left, so please pre-register soon. https://www.yogamatrika.com//workshops/
SECOND—please come and find lots of handmade, natural and organic gifts for this season’s expressions of generosity at Yoga Matrika’s open house and craft sales. Many of the items are under $10 and there are also discounted gift certificates and class cards available online and during these sales at the studio.
YOGA MATRIKA
Hand Made Holidays &
Celebrations
Shop natural, organic and local hand made this holiday season at Yoga Matrika’s special open house events and online!
* Children welcome—they play & you shop!
*Holiday refreshments to sweeten your day!
*Special offers at each open house.
Come to them all!
Sat. Nov. 21
Open House from 2:00-7:00pm
Make any purchase today and get a coupon for a FREE class with Sharon Rudyk in 2010!
Sat.Dec.5th
Open House from 2:00-7:00pm
Make any purchase today and get a coupon for $10 off the price of a massage in 2010.
Sat. Dec.12th
Open House from 2:00-7:00pm
Make any purchase today and get a coupon for $5 off the registration fee for select workshops in 2010.
Sun. Dec. 13th
Open House from 12:00-3:30pm
Make any purchase today and get a coupon for a FREE class with Maria Graziani!
Holiday Class By Donation
December 18th at 6:00pm
Sharon Rudyk is teaching a honey flow yoga class for all levels and anyone over the age of 12 by donation.
Holiday Party
December 18th at 7:30pm
Enjoy some birthday cake & other sweet treats in honor of Sharon’s 36th birthday, the season of light and the potential fabulousness of the new year! Everyone is welcome to the party!
We have many gift ideas for $10 or less and ALL handmade by Pittsburgh artists. Find great office gifts, hostess presents and stocking stuffers and know that you are supporting small businesses, art and ingenuity in Pittsburgh!
www.yogamatrika.com
6520 Wilkins Avenue/Squirrel Hill
(412) 855-5692